Ojai Community Chorus Begins 26th Spring Season

The Ojai Community Chorus is thrilled to open its 26th Spring concert season with a new work by composer/arranger Jeff Rizzo. While Mr. Rizzo is currently the accompanist for the chorus, his talents in the musical world are legion. He began his career as an arranger at USC while involved with "The Hoover Street Music Company", and later moved on to conducting and directing musical theatre. He was associate conductor of a national tour of "Annie" as well as "The Wizard of Oz" at Madison Square Garden. He played for the cast album featuring Eartha Kitt and Mickey Rooney. He toured for two years with "42nd Street". He has written and produced several musicals as well as a musical revue for children called "Wanna Play?" which has had many productions around the country.

Mr. Rizzo's medley, "TV Themes: Those Were the Days", focuses on television show theme songs from the 50's to the present day. Iconic tunes such as those from "All in the Family", Happy Days", "Gunsmoke", "Bonanza", "Gilligan's Island", are featured. The chorus will also perform songs from Academy Award nominated films, as well as a tribute to Walt Disney and Henry Mancini. Mr. Rizzo states: "Ojai Community Chorus is a lively group who works hard and keeps getting better and better. Did I mention how much fun they have?"

Singers at all levels of experience are invited to come and join the fun. If you can hold a pitch and sing harmony you will fit right in. Reading music, while helpful, is not essential. Rehearsals begin on Monday, January 28th, 6:30pm at the Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Rd. in Ojai. Registration is $65.00 non-refundable after the third rehearsal. The concert will debut on May 4, and May 5, 2013. For additional information please call 640-0468.

This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with Ventura County Star.